Chopra Finishes Second in Zurich Diamond League
Indian star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra added another milestone to his illustrious career at the Zurich Diamond League 2024 on Thursday, August 28. Competing at Stadion Letzigrund in Switzerland, the 27-year-old finished second but extended his remarkable streak of top-two finishes to 1483 days.
Neeraj, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, opened with a throw of 84.35m followed by an 82m effort. His third, fourth, and fifth attempts were fouls, placing him in a tense position. Going into the sixth round, he was third but responded with a decisive 85.01m throw, narrowly surpassing Trinidad’s Keshorn Walcott, who managed 84.95m.
The event was won by Julian Webber, who delivered two throws over the 90m mark—91.37m and 91.51m—both personal bests.
Record-Breaking Streak Continues
Neeraj’s late surge ensured he finished runner-up, maintaining his streak of finishing in the top two positions since the Tokyo Olympics. The run, now at 26 consecutive events, is the longest in the 21st century for male javelin throwers.
With this feat, Neeraj surpassed Sergey Makarov’s record of 25 and now trails only the legendary Jan Zelezny, who had 33 straight top-two finishes between 1991 and 1994.
Most Consecutive Top-Two Finishes (Male Javelin Throw):
- Jan Zelezny: 33 (1991–1994)
- Neeraj Chopra: 26 (2021–present)
- Sergey Makarov: 25 (2002–2003)
Neeraj’s consistency underscores his status as one of the greatest athletes in modern track and field.
Coaching Connections Add Significance
Interestingly, both athletes whose records surround Neeraj are connected to his training. Jan Zelezny, the all-time great, has been working as Neeraj’s personal coach since last year. Meanwhile, Sergey Makarov was appointed India’s national javelin coach earlier this year.
The last time Neeraj missed a top-two finish was at the Kuortane Games in 2021, where he claimed bronze. Before that, his last finish outside the podium came in 2018 at the IAAF Continental Cup.
This Zurich performance also marked his third consecutive runner-up finish in the Diamond League, following his 2022 victory.
Symbol of Consistency and Global Recognition
Neeraj’s dominance has not only made him India’s most celebrated track and field athlete but also a global name in athletics. His ability to deliver under pressure and maintain form across years highlights his discipline and resilience.
Experts note that his streak is particularly impressive given the highly competitive nature of javelin throw, where distances can fluctuate due to form, weather, and injury risks.
With the Paris Olympics 2024 and World Athletics Championships on the horizon, Neeraj’s continued run of form boosts India’s medal hopes on the international stage.